Additional Coverage:
- My family of 5 traveled to Sicily for over 2 weeks with carry-on only. I’m never going back to checked luggage. (businessinsider.com)
Family Trip to Italy? Skip the Checked Bags!
Dragging luggage through airports and hotels can be a nightmare, especially with kids in tow. One mom, a seasoned traveler, discovered the secret to stress-free family vacations: ditch the checked bags!
After a baggage mishap in Madrid, this mom decided to try a carry-on-only approach for a two-week trip to Italy with her three young children. The key to success?
Cute, kid-sized roller suitcases! Each child received a colorful new bag, turning the pre-trip packing into a fun activity.
The kids practiced rolling their own luggage, fostering a sense of responsibility for their belongings.
Packing light was also essential. Five outfits and two pairs of shoes per person, supplemented by laundry stops along the way, proved to be sufficient. With so much time spent on the beach, even fewer clothes would have sufficed!
Navigating Italy’s charming, but often stair-filled, accommodations was a breeze with carry-on luggage. The family easily maneuvered through cobblestone streets and ferry terminals, each member equipped with a backpack for essentials like passports, snacks, and comfort items.
While pre-trip planning is key, the benefits of traveling light far outweigh the effort. No more lost luggage, no more baggage fees, and no more waiting at the baggage carousel!
Even with occasional parental assistance, especially during airport transfers, the manageable size of the carry-ons made for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. This family is officially converted to the carry-on lifestyle!